Warning: This article contains allegations of sex trafficking, abuse, and domestic violence which some readers may find distressing.
Singer Dawn Richard has made allegations regarding her time at Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ Bad Boy Records, claiming she witnessed Combs allegedly ‘attack’ Cassie Ventura.
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is currently on trial for sex trafficking charges, with proceedings commencing in Manhattan federal court on May 12. He was taken into custody in September last year following an indictment by a grand jury.
The 55-year-old faces charges of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking, and two counts of facilitating transportation for prostitution. Combs has denied all the allegations brought against him.
Several witnesses have been called to testify, including R&B artist and dancer Cassie, whose real name is Casandra Ventura. Cassie was once Combs’ partner and was signed to his music label, Bad Boy Records.
Combs and Ventura had a relationship that lasted about ten years, starting when Cassie was 19 and Combs was 37.
Dawn Richard, who was also associated with Bad Boy Records, provided her testimony during Combs’ trial.
On May 16, Richard recounted an alleged incident she witnessed in 2009 at Combs’ Los Angeles residence.
Richard identified Combs in the courtroom and mentioned that during her time with the girl group Danity Kane, she frequently encountered Ventura since they were both signed to Combs’ label.
During the trial, Richard described witnessing Combs allegedly ‘attack’ Cassie in 2009.
While at Combs’ LA home, Richard claimed she saw him come downstairs, yelling and demanding to know where his food was.
After allegedly yelling about the absence of his eggs, Richard recounted how Combs picked up a skillet with eggs and ‘attempted to hit Cassie with it’.
Richard described seeing Ventura fall to the ground and curl up in the fetal position to protect her face and head.
She further alleged that Combs proceeded to kick and beat Ventura in her presence and in front of others.
Combs reportedly dragged Ventura upstairs, leaving the others behind to hear sounds of glass breaking and shouting.
“I was scared that if I intervened, I might get [it] worse,” Richard testified.
The next day, Richard and her companions were reportedly summoned to Combs’ recording studio.
According to Richard, Combs locked the door and dismissed the ‘attack’ as a typical relationship dispute.
The singer alleged Combs said: “Where he comes from, people go missing if they say things like that.”
When asked to interpret this statement, Richard suggested it implied a threat of death.
Combs then reportedly presented them with ‘flowers’.
Richard is scheduled to return to the witness stand on May 20.If you are experiencing domestic violence, please know that you are not alone. You can talk in confidence 24 hours a day to the national domestic violence helpline at 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) 24/7. You can find a list of local resources here.